High Above

[At the end of March 774 in Terra, I, Baron Silver Peak, and the Xiahui convoy led by Ian Alchomon encountered an attack by the Dragon Cult in the jungle southwest of Trois-Rivières]

[This group of Dragon Worshiping Cult cultists is composed of multiple forces, headed by the Canaan Moore Dragon Worshiping Cult, supplemented by the Dragon Worshiping Cult of Feiyandi and Cangtian Wangting, three second-level sublimators and seven first-level energy cultivators. Level, ten people in total]

[Their attack not only caused great losses to my convoy, but also endangered our country’s territorial security and despised our country’s majesty]

[I was so angry that I fought with all my strength. After paying a huge price, I finally successfully defeated the enemy with the help of Ayers Grant, Viscount Harrison Port, and captured all three second-level ascendants]

[Although we won, we still paid a heavy price. In order to defeat them, my team suffered huge casualties and losses, and Viscount Grant, who helped me out, even suffered damage to his etheric weapons]

[My loss is insignificant, but Viscount Grant, who defeated the cult troops, successfully maintained the security of our country’s territory, and boosted our country’s prestige, deserves to be commended]

"What do you think of it written like this?"

Anyun Town is a peaceful town located between Three Rivers City and Harrison Port. It is also the place where Xiahui leads the team today.

In the room where repellent incense was lit, Ian handed the report he had just finished to the smiling Viscount Grant on the other side.

"The handwriting looks better, Ian."

After receiving the report, Viscount Grant did not read the content and praised Ian's handwriting without hesitation - the boy's handwriting has always been clean and tidy since he first learned it, and it has charm. The more he looked at it, the more he liked it.

For those high-ranking officials, especially those high-ranking local nobles who need to read many handwritten reports every day, it is very painful for their subordinates to have ugly handwriting.

Just identifying what they wrote is enough of a headache, and if there are any smudges or alterations, I would be tempted to call them to the office and give them a scolding.

But such a small thing is unnecessary, and they don’t have time to learn if they want to change it. Overall, it’s just a headache.

No matter where you are, people with good handwriting will have an advantage, unless we fast forward to an era where people don’t need to write.

However, even though he admired Ian's writing, Viscount Grant still relied on his many years of experience to point out many areas that needed to be revised in Ian's previous reports.

"Don't write about the Xiahui team you are in. Although it is true, it will give the impression that 'you are taking action to protect your own property' and will lose points."

After a quick glance, the Viscount said skillfully: "Just change it to 'Civilian convoy passing through Trois-Rivières', which highlights the innocence and weakness of the convoy, as well as the feeling of suffering disaster for no reason while passing by. In this case, it will appear that you are faithfully fulfilling your duty." It’s the duty of a noble.”

"The attack should also be changed to a 'raid' to add a sense of tension. This detail is also critical."

"Understood!"

Ian, who had a bandage wrapped around his head (actually not injured at all), nodded seriously and took notes, while Qingchao stood aside with a blank look on his face, completely unable to understand what the two people were struggling with.

This was certainly not the end. Viscount Grant had just begun. He pointed out for Ian in detail the areas where his report was not precise enough.

"Secondly, don't name the Dragon Worship Cult specifically. Although everyone pretends not to know, basically everyone in Nanling knows that you are now a member of the Dragon Worship Cult. If you name the Dragon Worship Cult, everyone will think that this is a Dragon Worship Cult. Internal dispute - I suggest it be better to change it to 'Special Forces of Other Countries'."

"I'm not lying. I can also use the bad reputation of Feiyandi Special Forces in Nanling during the recent period to earn some sympathy points."

"Next, don't write the name Canaan Moore. Didn't the imperial capital announce an alliance between our country and Canaan Moore some time ago? Don't make a statement that affects the friendship between the two countries, just write... With Feiyandi as the leader, Cangtian Wang Ting will serve as the auxiliary and other countries’ special forces formed by other countries. Everyone knows who the other countries are, but don’t write them down explicitly.”

Having said this, Viscount Grant was obviously excited. He pointed to the map beside him and said to Ian: "Especially the Flying Flame Land. There have been any attacks by monsters in the territory recently, accidental losses, or disasters. Push it to Feiyandi."

"Ian, you have only recently become a lord. You must remember not to shoulder everything by yourself. If you have any responsibilities, you must remember to pass the blame to others... whether it is mountain people or indigenous people, other lords will undoubtedly do the same. Okay, but if it really doesn’t work, let’s talk about the natural environment or Warcraft. In the end, I really can’t find an excuse, so I’ll pretend to be brave and bear it.”

"But as long as there is Feiyan Land, it must be used. Otherwise, the higher-ups will not be happy and will not approve the protection fee."

"Wouldn't that be too much?"

Although Ian had known about it for a long time, he still pretended to be innocent at this moment: "Everything else is easy to say, but if I make a mistake in my own policy and accidentally cause serious consequences..."

"Don't worry, just push it away."

Viscount Grant said without thinking: "Feiyandi can do anything. They are really unimaginable beasts."

"If it wasn't for them, how could you make the mistake? It's undoubtedly their fault!"

After teaching Ian his experience as a lord, the Viscount continued to read the report: "Then, the number of dead was too small."

"Although the opponent is indeed an elite team of Ascendants, the number of ten people cannot give people an intuitive sense of threat. I think... well, just fifty people, just enough to get 40 more bounties of ordinary special forces. "

Defrauding aid and bounties is indeed Viscount Grant's specialty. When he said these words, he looked extremely sophisticated, and even his expression perked up, as if his whole person was shining, and he was extremely cool: "What you said next is very good. ——You should put the matter on the line and talk about national security and national dignity. Otherwise, the imperial capital will not care about your losses? It’s just a big deal.”

"It is necessary to sublimate this incident to the insidious and shameless special forces of another country, sneak attack on our civilian team, and finally be stopped by the heroic imperial nobles. This is in line with the correct narrative!"

"But then, your 'great price' is too simple. If you add something more and make it more tragic, for example, dozens of people died... Well, too much is not good, it will make you appear incompetent. Too little will not work, it will appear incompetent. reality."

"In that case, it will be around twenty, just enough for the pension, and we will share the quota equally."

"No, how can it be 50%?" Ian smiled and waved his hand to refuse: "Of course you take 70%, which will be regarded as the fuel cost for Zhenglan's mission."

"You're welcome." The Viscount declined sincerely: "Can't I see that this is a gift you gave me? I accepted it, but you also took a risk this time."

"Just think of it as a birth gift for little Kermit (the name of the Viscount's unborn child)." Ian insisted. Viscount Grant couldn't continue to refuse. He nodded and said with a smile: "That's it. .”

Next, there is nothing to fix.

Ian put away the revised report and asked Qingchao to entrust a courier to send it to Nauman City.

"He is also at the second level. He was at his peak before, and he does have potential. You have found a good helper."

Qingchao left the room, and Viscount Grant moved his gaze away from the swordsman and towards Ian.

"amazing."

He sincerely sighed: "In just one year, Ian, you have grown to the point where you can be equal to me. I have no doubt that the Yinfeng family will prosper in your hands, and may even return to the imperial capital again and achieve true success." of glory."

"I'm really happy about this and send you my best wishes."

"Nowhere. It's you who surprised me."

Ian bowed his head slightly and accepted the blessing. He smiled and said to the Viscount: "Are you about to reach the third level? By then, with the surrender of the Redwood Aboriginals, the actual jurisdiction of Harrison Port will be expanded. It covers the entire Big Sequoia forest area and around Elephant Bone Mountain, and even the West Redwood area.”

"At that time, it will be time to call you 'Mr. Marquis Grant'!"

"Haha." The Viscount shook his head indifferently: "These are all trivial matters. Titles and reputations are empty titles. Only the strength of ourselves and our descendants is the real focus of our nobles."

"I have always wondered in the past, what exactly is needed for the third level? I have never been able to figure it out. I have been obsessed with improving myself, but I have been unable to make progress."

"But after I really figured out what I wanted, my strength naturally improved, and I no longer valued this aspect."

"When I no longer regard pure power as the top priority, my strength has improved step by step... Thinking about it carefully, maybe this is also thanks to you, Ian."

With that said, the Viscount turned his head and looked in the direction of Harrison Port.

He said softly: "If you hadn't brought new hope to old Pude, I also felt curious and wanted to try to cultivate the next generation..."

"I wouldn't have known...it turns out that all of this is so important to me."

Ian could tell that Viscount Grant's speech and behavior were much gentler than nine years ago.

Even the whole person's demeanor does not look like it did in the past, giving people a sense of danger.

This is normal - someone who is finally going to be a father and has finally figured out his 'dream' can be so peaceful and indifferent.

Ian knows very well that Viscount Grant’s obsession lies in ‘family’.

Through the few words that Patrick revealed in the Great Maze of the South China Sea, as well as the information collected by Ian himself in the Imperial Capital, Ian can know that Viscount Grant's childhood life was very lonely. His parents were away from home all year round and struggled outside. He was raised by his strict grandmother. Growing up, I didn’t have many friends.

When he grew up, his parents and grandmother passed away one after another. He came to the unfamiliar Harrison Port from the imperial capital and fought for what he had never expected, that is, his family, territory and people, and almost lost his life several times.

Of course he felt confused about this, even confused and angry.

Viscount Grant's talent is actually not bad. Although he is a mess in alchemy, he can be said to be far better than Patrick in practice. Patrick has never defeated Viscount Grant in either playing games as a child or in a duel when he grew up. , he lamented that he was a genius on the same level as his elder brother.

But the problem is that Patrit's eldest brother, Marquis Ellen, is at the fourth level, while Viscount Grant is only at the second level.

Apart from potions and resources, the biggest reason is that Marquis Ellen has obviously found what he wants a long time ago and has been working hard for it.

Viscount Grant has never been found.

It wasn't until his child was about to be born that the man understood that he just wanted an inheritance that would give him peace of mind, and a family and people he could contribute to.

(This is probably the reason why Viscount Grant was able to advance to the third level soon after the birth of his child. This is true whether it is a swarm of insects or a spiritual disaster... Only when humans are determined to work hard for one thing can they truly Play to your limits)

The foreknowledge confirmed the reality, and coupled with the powerful momentum released by the Viscount when he drove the 'Zhenglan', Ian could vaguely sense that at this moment, Viscount Grant was really only one step away from the third level - the Viscount in the past would because of Ian, who had lost control and was defensive, was now able to send blessings from the heart.

This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of inner strength.

Elder Manya's obsession is the 'prosperity of the mountain people', Viscount Grant's obsession is 'their own family', and Earl Phoenix of the Imperial Capital is undoubtedly 'the preservation and continuation of knowledge'.

The obsessions of these strong men are simple and easy to understand, just like Ian's own "knowing everything he wants to explore".

As long as they walk on this road, they can grow at the fastest speed.

And if Viscount Grant really becomes the third level and the second marquis-level nobleman in Nanling, then it will be a great thing for Ian.

Since then, the two talkers in Nanling have supported him and are even partners. Doesn't he, Ian, do whatever he wants?

"What to do with the prisoners?"

Viscount Grant was very happy about this attack.

No matter how the higher-ups respond to his and Ian's letters requesting credit, the enemy Ascended One will definitely be given credit for this aspect.

It was all in vain anyway, he couldn't possibly lose.

However, the Viscount also knew that these were essentially Ian's trophies, and his share was a gift from Ian, but the specific way to deal with them still depended on Ian's thoughts.

"Let's hold him in Harrison Port for now, and wait until we have time to interrogate him and squeeze out more value before we talk about anything else."

Ian looked at his feet, which was the basement where the prisoners were kept. The three cadre-level members of the Dragon Worship Cult were all being forcibly fed alchemy potions, which sealed the five senses and paralyzed them there.

If it is an alchemical potion refined by a local alchemist in Nanling, with the resistance of these dragon blood holders, they may find an opportunity to resist or even escape at any time.

But when they met Ian, a master alchemist who had done countless human experiments and was extremely experienced, it was impossible for their slight chance to become a reality.

"Then I'll take them back to Harrison Port first."

Nodding slightly, Viscount Grant couldn't possibly follow Ian's motorcade and walk slowly, and Ian said easily: "See you later, Viscount."

"We will confirm the next cooperation when we return to the port."

"I'm looking forward to it. Everybody is looking forward to it."

Viscount Grant left.

At this moment, Qing Chao also happened to be back. He watched the Viscount driving Zhenglan and flying back to Harrison Port at high speed with an iron cage containing three Dragon Worship cadres. He couldn't help but sigh: "The Viscount's strength has become stronger again. The control of the source of matter can be said to be arbitrary... I thought that the sea of ​​clouds and tsunami just now would affect me, but I didn't expect that the wave left around me."

"I can control city-level wide-area attacks, even if I rely on ether weapons... I'm still far away."

As both water sublimators, Qing Chao had a deep understanding of Viscount Grant's strength, and Ian patted the opponent's shoulder and said nonchalantly: "What are you worried about? Viscount Grant's bloodline is the fourth-level abyssal lizard whale. , and your Tidebringer has a fifth energy level at the top."

"Although you are indeed not as strong as him, you have great potential!"

"Thank you for your encouragement, boss."

Qingchao shrugged. He no longer thought about this, but turned to another question: "But, do you really want the Viscount to take away the assassins of the Dragon Worship Cult? Boss, aren't you guessing that they are around Harrison Port?" There must be responders... If they know that their assassination team failed and all important members were captured, they will definitely try to rescue..."

Ian turned his head and glanced at Qing Chao.

Before he said a word, Qingchao suddenly realized: "Viscount Grant also knows? Did you deliberately lure the remaining people to show up, so you divided your troops like this?!"

Ian nodded. Of course, such a simple thing does not require him and Viscount Grant to communicate. It is a waste of time. It is better to exchange a few words of nonsense to build feelings.

Qingchao was able to think of this, and although it was a little slow, it still made him quite satisfied.

"Let's go, get ready to go."

With that said, Ian walked out of the room.

He raised his head and looked outside at the clear sky due to Viscount Grant's previous attack: "As soon as I came back, someone was giving away the credit for nothing. This is really a good sign."

Staring at the sun above his head, the young man smiled and said, "I can't wait to return to my hometown."

So the team set off in the spring light and warm breeze.

The wind started blowing along the coast, and it was morning three days later.

The moist and warm spring breeze flows through the tree-lined forest road and moves forward together with a convoy loaded with goods and equipment.

The camel beast's feet stepped on the small puddles on the road, causing splashes of water to tremble. As the ringing bells around its neck swayed, the light breeze blew away the white mist that filled the surrounding lake forest, making the end of the forest road change. It became clearer, and the familiar far southern port could be vaguely seen.

Harrison Port was already in sight, and the convoy led by Xia Hui moved faster. As they approached the port's city gate along the official road, they could see a large group of white-haired people waiting at the city gate.

Those are the white people in Harrison Port... They are waiting with great expectation for the head of the family who will lead the family's revival.

Of course, it's not just the White People - those who Ian once helped are also gathered here.

Seeing this scene, the young lord drove his mount and slowly came to the front.

Ian smiled and raised his hand high to signal to the tribesmen who greeted him.

Then, bursts of cheers rang out from the originally peaceful city gate.

"Ian! Ian!"

"Our pride is back!"

"Master, we respect and love you!"

——I'm back, the beginning.

At the city gate, people also raised their hands and cheered so that their voices could be heard in all directions.

And amid this well-intentioned welcome, Ian turned over and left his mount, stepping on the road home.

He saw that deep in the crowd, Elder Pude and Elan, who was also cheering, were also waving and smiling to welcome him back.

A rare, warm feeling emerged in the young man's heart.

In a daze, he seemed to see some visions of the past... A tall figure was also here to welcome him back.

"teacher……"

The trance was only for a moment, and he shook his head to wake himself up.

Ian led the convoy towards the city on foot, feeling calm in his heart: "No matter what, I have completed the first step."

"Starting from Harrison Port, I have become the lord of a place and have my own foundation - I have my own supporters, my own followers and investors, I have a base and basic base, and a plan for future development. direction."

"And now, I'm back to the beginning. Not to miss the past, but to take that second step again."

"The Harrison Port trading fleet is necessary in order to extend trade routes to other countries."

"Not to mention, the base deep in the South China Sea..."

Staring at the gate of Harrison Port, he looked around at the cheering white people on both sides.

Ian's gaze did not stop, and his green eyes looked into the distance at the Viscount's Mansion, which was also overlooking here, and the Great Maze of the South China Sea further away.

That's his true goal.

at the same time.

The Great Maze of the South China Sea and the Crystal Lake.

"oh?"

The huge steel-armored shark seemed to have noticed something. It turned back and looked in the direction of Harrison Port, and its spirit could not help but perk up: "Oh! (The boss is back!)"

Realizing this, Shark Shark became excited. After swimming rapidly around the crystal lake for several times, it took off in the air and arrived at the place where the dragon egg was in the center of Crystal Island: "Oh! (Don't stay there all the time, either) Here, the boss is coming back!)"

Crystal Dragon Egg did not respond.

It just shook slightly.

It is also waiting.

Waiting for the existence that can guide its true future.

Updated in advance!